Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide training for an academic career in environmental health and articulate disciplines. It requires a candidate to undertake research in specified fields within the broader scope of environmental health (including Occupational Hygiene, Food Safety, Waste Management, Water Quality, Environmental Health Management, Epidemiology) culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis in environmental health. The candidate is required to demonstrate high level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution to environmental health. The ability to express findings orally and in writing, as well as seek outcomes that are applicable in industry and the broader occupation are sought.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to produce competent researchers who can originate and conduct creative research in order to add new and applied knowledge and to impact on policy formulation and innovation in the field of environmental health and public health.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a Doctorate is

• Master of Environmental Health

Or

• A similar Master's Degree in environmental health or a related health or environmental health.

This qualification comprises of compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Supervise and evaluate the research of others in environmental health; to initiate and execute research qualifications as required.
2. Expert and advanced knowledge in the scope of environmental health.
3. In-depth understanding of the complexity of the problems involved; cognisance of the latest developments on the international research scene as far as environmental health is concerned.
4. Expert understanding of the relevance and applicability of proposed solutions.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Do independent research.
• Produce a dissertation that places research within the broader context of environmental health and which withstands international intellectual scrutiny.
• Contribute to original knowledge in environmental health.
• Undertake further research at an advanced level.
• Deal with complexity, and/or contradictions in the knowledge base; select appropriate tools and research methods with confidence.
• Synthesise and evaluate information autonomously.
• Make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
• Communicate fully and professionally with other colleagues working in the field.
• Intellectual independence and authority.
• Mature and sound judgment; accountable and reliable assessment of the views of others.
• Transcendence of personal prejudice and/or parochial views.
• High levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability.
• An enquiring mind and an innovative spirit.
• Adherence to professional or self-defined ethics and academic integrity.
• Dedication to the ideals of scholarship.
• Ability to share empirical findings and related applied conclusions on national and international authoritative platforms and publications.

Integrated Assessment

Candidates must submit a doctoral thesis containing the report of their research. The thesis has to meet all the standards and requirements of a doctoral dissertation which include proof of a successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and contribution(s) of the study to environmental health.